Biology - HOT Science Lab

Teacher
Human Impact – Effects of Acid Rain
NGSSS:
SC.912.L.17.20 Predict the impact of individuals on environmental systems and examine how
human lifestyles affect sustainability. (AA)
Purpose of the Lab/Activity:
To determine the effects of acid rain on seed germination.
To simulate the human impact on the environment.
Prerequisites:
Students should be familiar with the pH scale.
Students should be able to differentiate between an acid and a base.
Students should be familiar with seed germination.
Materials (per group):
graduated cylinder
filter paper
medicine droppers
pH meter
5 Petri dishes
water
vinegar (acetic acid)
25 radish seeds
Procedures: Day of Activity:
Before
activity:
What the teacher will do:
a. Gather materials and make sure that pH meters are calibrated. Instead of a
pH meter teacher can substitute with pH paper.
b. You can modify this lesson by using mung beans instead of radish seeds;
but the concentration of vinegar must be changed.
c. It is important for students to complete an experimental design diagram
prior to the investigation in order for them to understand all parts of the
activity.
1. What is the problem statement How does the concentration of vinegar
affect the germination of radish seeds
2. State the hypothesis. Answer will vary but should include both
independent and dependent variable. (Example: If 100% vinegar is
applied to the radish seeds, they will not germinate.
3. Identify the independent and dependent variable. Independent:
concentration of vinegar (%) Dependent: seed germination
4. Identify the variables held constant. # seeds in each Petri dish, amount
of each solution, filter paper
5. Explain the tests conducted, identify both the experimental and control
test. Experimental Test: 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% Control Test: 0%
vinegar solution
6. List the number of trials per test. 1 trial (Remind students that multiple
Biology HSL Page 48
Curriculum and Instruction